Another Uncle Lost

Years from now, we will look back on the start of 2008 as sad time. A string of deaths of loved ones began with the passing of Dad's uncle, Fr. Paul, in January, and continued with the deaths of Mom's grandma, Grandma Mil, Mom's best friend Dana's dad and Dad's Uncle Arch.

The death of Uncle Arch was unexpected and came only 26 days after his brother died. He was in good health but suffered a series of strokes, as well as a heart attack, in a span of about a week. As you can imagine, it was a very sad event that words cannot begin to describe.

Dad returned from his trip to California for the funeral and to serve as a pallbearer. When Dad was in high school, he took pride in mowing Uncle Arch and Aunt Rosalie's yard. The cookie you see at right was from Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Arch's 50th wedding anniversary celebration about two years ago.

We will miss our Uncle Arch and pray for him and his family and friends as they, like us, deal with his loss.

Here is Uncle Arch's obituary, as published in the Omaha World-Herald:

Donald J. Begley, age 75 years. Lifelong Omaha resident, born June 29, 1932. Served in the U.S. Navy, 1951-1954. Co-owner of Andersen Fire Equipment Co., Inc. Past President of National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors and received its highest award. Past President of Safety and Health Council of Greater Omaha and inducted into its Hall of Fame. Member, officer and director of numerous local civic organizations. Active member of Mary Our Queen Parish. Don "Arch" was an avid hunter and golfer. He is survived by wife, Rosalie (Burzynski) Begley; five children: David D. Begley, Stephen P. Begley and wife Lisa Worthington, Barbara E. Gilman and husband Howard, Christine J. Shouse and husband Kevin, Rebecca A. Hirsch and husband Jonathan; eight grandchildren: John P., Mary D. and Grace A. Begley, David, Byron and Aaron Gilman, Erik and Alex Shouse; brothers and sisters-in-law: Patrick E. and Dorothy A. Begley, William A. and Norma J. Begley; sisters and brother-in-law: Regina A. Begley, Rosemary R. and Keith Weide; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Paul J., Sr. and Mary E. Begley; brothers, Robert A. Begley and Rev. Paul J. Begley, Jr.